Urban Development Triggers Extreme Heat not the Mayan Train
Deforestation and not the Mayan Train, the cause behind the extreme heat in Yucatán. Urban Development Triggers Extreme Heat not the Mayan Train.
The recent heat wave in Yucatán and the Mexican southeast cannot be directly attributed to the construction works of the Mayan Train, but to a deforestation process that has occurred for years due to various human activities, according to Dr. Eduardo Batllori Sampedro, academic and former secretary of the Environment and Urban Development of the state.
The Cinvestav expert in Mérida explained that both Yucatán and Quintana Roo have seen a great loss of forest areas due to urban, tourist, real estate and agricultural development.
These activities have transformed large areas of jungle into concrete areas, which reduces the amount of shade, contributes to soil erosion and overheats exposed stones, significantly altering the microclimate of the region.
Climatic alterations and natural events in the area
The phenomenon of high temperatures and extreme heat waves is also part of global climate change, which manifests itself in cycles of several decades.
Batllori Sampedro recalled that approximately 30 years ago, the port of Progreso experienced a season of similar extreme heat, and more recently, Mérida suffered unusual flooding due to intense rains.
Yucatán has experienced prolonged heat waves in the past, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees for 40 consecutive days.
These types of extreme events are due to deforestation, which has altered the microclimate by reducing the shade provided by trees and the soil’s ability to retain moisture.
Furthermore, urban expansion and infrastructure projects have increased concrete surfaces, intensifying solar radiation.
Deforestation in Yucatán and Quintana Roo
To get an idea of the magnitude of vegetation loss, Yucatán deforests approximately 30,000 hectares each year, while Quintana Roo loses around 20,000 hectares annually.
According to Batllori Sampedro, the deforestation caused by the Mayan Train is minimal compared to general deforestation in both states.
While the Mayan Train has some impact on the microclimate, its contribution is much smaller than widespread deforestation.
The Mayan Train and extreme heat
The academic emphasized that the Mayan Train is not the main cause of the heat waves and extreme droughts that are currently being experienced.
The extreme heat is the result of multiple factors, primarily large-scale deforestation that has occurred for years.
The lack of shade, the exposure of stones and the increase in concrete surfaces are the real causes behind the change in the microclimate of the region.
Need for sustainability and reforestation
Batllori Sampedro, who has promoted the reforestation of mangroves and wetlands on the Yucatecan coast, stressed the importance of both the government and society working together on sustainability, reforestation and care of water and soil.
The constant transformation of land use is negatively affecting the quality of the environment in Yucatán and the Yucatán Peninsula.
Urban Development Triggers Extreme Heat not the Mayan Train
Although the Mayan Train has had a minimal impact on the environment, it is not primarily responsible for the extreme heat in Yucatán.
Widespread deforestation due to urban and agricultural development over the years has been the real cause of these climate changes.
It is essential that sustainability and reforestation measures are taken to mitigate these effects and protect the environment of the region.
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